THE EFFORT

Narrator Jay Ben Markson's solid narration unites an international cast of scientists, research vessel crew members, and far-flung secondary characters as a fast approaching asteroid threatens Earth. Markson's balanced pacing engages listeners as the story alternates between a scientific task force charged with asteroid deflection and the crew of a ship stationed on the Bering Sea. Despite the high stakes propelling events forward, Markson creates compelling human relationships amid global reactions to the crisis. Listeners patch together responses from key and supporting figures, including Near Earth Orbit specialist Ben Schwartz, United Nations interpreter Love Mwangi, and marine biologist Maya Gutierrez. Markson's distinct characterizations enable satisfying explorations of who we might become when faced with extinction. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]